2 Darien Aldermen Exit After Defeats

DARIEN, IL – Two Darien aldermen left the City Council on Monday after being defeated in the April election.

In Ward 2, Ralph Stompanato prevailed over Alderman Lester Vaughan with 60 percent of the vote. In Ward 4, Gerry Leganski surged past Alderman Tom Chlystek with 64 percent.

In a speech, Vaughan recalled his five years of service, which included the pandemic and the fight against the Sterigenics plant. He said he looked forward to the city carrying out improvements to make 67th Street and Clarendon Hills Road safer.

He praised City Administrator Bryon Vana for keeping his promise to have an open door.

"You've always been that kind of guy," Vaughan said. "The city of Darien is lucky to have you."

Vaughan, a computer systems engineer, said he was proud of the "rich legacy and history" of Darien and promised to remain active in the city.

"Always remember you represent an entire city out there, full of diversity, young families, people who deserve opportunities and meaningful representation," the alderman said.

"Darien is a nice place to live," he said, reciting the city's slogan, "but don't just settle for nice, always drive for greatness."

Chlystek, an engineer in the auto industry, said it was an honor serving Ward 4. He cited the effort advocating clean air for residents with health problems, downtown landscaping, new sidewalks and backyard drainage, and new traffic devices.

"Together, we have accomplished so much that has improved the quality of life for our residents and our future residents," he said. "I wish Alderman Leganski the best of luck as he continues the proud tradition of raising the bar in Darien."

The council honored Vaughan and Chlystek with resolutions.

In his remarks, Leganski pointed to the podium where public commenters air their views. He said he has spoken from that place for 16 years.

"It started there, and it's now here," he said, referring to his new council seat.

Stompanato said he has talked about serving on the council for the last couple of decades.

"I was getting to the point where I would either do it or never do it," he said.

He thanked Vaughan for his service.

Marchese, who ran unopposed for a second term, said Darien has been fortunate to have nonpartisan councils.

"I often tell people that the reason Darien is successful is that we run as independents. We don't run as members of a political party," the mayor said. "I believe our two new members aspire to that."

He said he hoped the new aldermen would make decisions on what is best for residents, disregarding emotions.

"We will face decisions that not everyone in that audience will be happy with, but if we know it's the right decision, then we'll make that decision," Marchese said.

In Ward 6, Alderman Eric Gustafson defeated Rachel Lazich with 51 percent in the April election.